MARK WRIGHT will this morning complete a shock return to the Deva Stadium by being named the new manager of Chester City.

The former Liverpool and England defender, who spent two and a half seasons at the club before leaving on the eve of the 2004-05 season, will be unveiled as the successor to Keith Curle, who was sacked on Saturday.

Only three weeks ago Wright, 43, parted company as the manager of fellow Coca-Cola League Two club Peterborough United, following rumours of a row with players.

The London Road outfit based Wright's departure on the grounds of gross misconduct, claims Wright described as "laughable".

Wright previously guided City to the Nationwide Conference play-offs in 2003, then 12 months later masterminded a memorable surge to the championship and with it a return to the Football League after a four-year absence.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Post about his decision to reappoint Wright, City chairman Stephen Vaughan said last night: "This is purely a business decision. I consider that Mark is the best man to get us out of this worrying position we are in at the moment.

"I am not making this appointment to win any popularity contests; I am making it in the best interests of Chester City Football Club.

"The decision to relieve Keith Curle of his duties was also made in the best interests of the club. I hope our supporters accept both decisions."

He added: "I have told Mark that he has the job until the end of the season, then we will take it from there if he completes the immediate task in hand successfully."

Wright returns to a club who are only four points ahead of the relegation zone, but he is relishing the task.

"It's a challenge but I am looking forward to it," he said.

"My heart was always with Chester and I am proud of what we achieved when we won the Conference title.

"The memory of the joy on everybody's face at the club when we won the championship will stay with me for ever.

"Ironically I am returning to the club when it's in a similar position to the one it was when I originally joined last time."

Besides Chester and Peterborough, Wright also has managerial experience with Southport and Oxford United.

Wright will meet the playing squad today and begin preparation them for Saturday's visit to Grimsby Town.